Boosting the profitability of wheat production

A state-wide educational meeting is planned for Michigan’s wheat producers and industry personnel on March 6.

Wheat continues to be an important crop to Michigan’s agriculture industry. Equally clear is the industry’s need to remain aggressive in learning and adopting methods that enhance the economic viability when growing this cereal grain.

In recent years, the state’s wheat yields have been improving. These boosts in yield can be attributed, in many cases, to the use of fungicides, adjustments in the timing and rates of fertilizer nitrogen, and adoption of improved varieties. Management strategies that consider the interactions of all three inputs can be particularly cost effective. This will be one emphasis of the upcoming 2013 Wheat Grower’s Meeting scheduled for March 6 in Bath Township, Mich.

The wheat meeting will feature presentations on the impact of nitrogen and fungicides on different wheat varieties, benefits of incorporating wheat into the crop rotation, and the most promising cover crops for use within the wheat rotation. In addition, participants will gain a better understanding of the state’s wheat industry and receive an update on the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The event’s presenters include David Hooker, University of Guelph - Ridgetown Campus, and Fred Poston, Dean of the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

This meeting is being organized by the new Michigan Wheat Program and Michigan State University Extension. View the flier for details of the event, or interested individuals can email Jody Pollock-Newsom or Martin Nagelkirk.

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